Sergio Aguero wants to leave Atletico Madrid

Aguero said Monday on his official website that he wants to take
”a new step” in his career after five seasons in the Spanish
capital.

”I said some time ago that when I wanted to leave I would make
it known publicly. Now that moment has come,” Aguero wrote. ”It’s
difficult to leave Atletico … the reasons for doing so are
difficult to explain.”

Real Madrid and Chelsea have long been linked with a move for
the 23-year-old Aguero, with Atletico rejecting offers from both
clubs in January. Aguero made no mention of where he would like to
play next.

Aguero said he wanted to continue his development as a player
after helping Atletico to a seventh-place league finish this
season.

Atletico needs to play a qualifying round just to reach the
Europa League, so the prospect of playing Champions League football
may have pushed Aguero to seek an early exit from a contract that
still has three years to run.

”It’s not for economic reasons but strictly sporting ones. This
decision has been brewing for some time,” said Aguero, who added
that he signed a contract renewal so Atletico would not miss out on
a payout if he left.

The former Independiente striker, who joined Atletico in 2006
for ?22 million (then $28 million), scored 27 of his 101 goals this
season, including 20 in the league. He helped Atletico to Europa
League and European Supercup triumphs last season.

Alongside goalkeeper David De Gea, Aguero forms the young and
talented core of the club.